U.S. patent application number 15/215265 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-02 for electronic apparatus, method for controlling the same and processor for the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to KYOCERA Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is KYOCERA Corporation. Invention is credited to Tomoki IWAIZUMI, Shunsuke NAGATA.
Application Number | 20170034340 15/215265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57883295 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170034340 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAGATA; Shunsuke ; et
al. |
February 2, 2017 |
ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME AND PROCESSOR
FOR THE SAME
Abstract
At least one processor executes (i) a first function of
terminating communication via a first network, in response to a
first input to an input unit, (ii) a second function of terminating
communication via a second network, in response to a second input
to the input unit, and (iii) a third function of terminating
communication via the first and second networks, in response to a
third input to the input unit. The at least one processor limits,
when the at least one processor processes a first call via the
first network, at least one of the first input and the first
function and at least one of the third input and the third
function, and limits, when the at least one processor processes a
second call via the second network, at least one of the second
input and the second function and at least one of the third input
and the third function.
Inventors: |
NAGATA; Shunsuke; (Osaka,
JP) ; IWAIZUMI; Tomoki; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KYOCERA Corporation |
Kyoto-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
KYOCERA Corporation
|
Family ID: |
57883295 |
Appl. No.: |
15/215265 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 88/06 20130101;
H04M 1/2535 20130101; H04M 1/72583 20130101; H04M 1/67
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/725 20060101
H04M001/725 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 29, 2015 |
JP |
2015-149356 |
Claims
1. An electronic apparatus, comprising: a communication unit
configured to communicate with a plurality of networks; an input
unit; and at least one processor configured to: process, through
the communication unit, a first call via a first network and a
second call via a second network different from the first network,
the first network and the second network being included in the
plurality of networks; execute (i) a first function of terminating
communication via the first network, in response to a first input
to the input unit, (ii) a second function of terminating
communication via the second network, in response to a second input
to the input unit, and (iii) a third function of terminating
communication via the first and second networks, in response to a
third input to the input unit; and limit, when the at least one
processor processes the first call, at least one of the first input
and the first function and at least one of the third input and the
third function, and limit, when the at least one processor
processes the second call, at least one of the second input and the
second function and at least one of the third input and the third
function.
2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one processor disables, as the limiting, (i) the first and
second functions when the at least one processor processes the
first call, and (ii) the first and third functions when the at
least one processor processes the second call.
3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input
unit includes a display and a touch panel, the at least one
processor causes the display to display a screen in response to a
fourth input to the input unit, the screen including first to third
elements functioning as buttons corresponding the first to third
inputs, respectively, and performs the limiting in response to the
fourth input.
4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the input
unit includes a display and a touch panel, and the at least one
processor causes the display to display: first to third elements
functioning as buttons corresponding the first to third inputs,
respectively, in a first display mode, when the at least one
processor does not process the first or second call; the first and
second elements in a second display mode different from the first
display mode, when the at least one processor processes the first
call; and the second and third elements in the second display mode,
when the at least one processor processes the second call.
5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the input
unit includes a display and a touch panel, and the at least one
processor: causes the display to display first to third elements
functioning as buttons corresponding the first to third inputs,
respectively, when the at least one processor does not process the
first or second call; does not cause the display to display the
first or second element when the at least one processor processes
the first call; and does not cause the display to display the
second or third element when the at least one processor processes
the second call.
6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a notifier configured to notify the limiting in response
to at least one of the first and second inputs when the at least
one processor processes the first call, or in response to at least
one of the second and third inputs when the at least one processor
processes the second call.
7. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one processor sets, as the limiting, (i) an input sensitivity
to the first and second inputs when the at least one processor
processes the first call lower than an input sensitivity to the
first and second inputs when the at least one processor does not
process the first or second call, and (ii) an input sensitivity to
the second and third inputs when the at least one processor
processes the second call lower than an input sensitivity to the
second and third inputs when the at least one processor does not
process the first or second call.
8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein (i) in
response to the first input during the first call, the at least one
processor executes the first function, (ii) in response to the
third input during the first call, the at least one processor
executes the third function after the first call, (iii) in response
to the second input during the second call, the at least one
processor executes the second function after the second call, and
(iv) in response to the third input during the second call, the at
least one processor executes the third function after the second
call.
9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 8, further
comprising a notifier configured to (i) in response to the first
input during the first call, notify that the at least one processor
executes the first function after the first call, (ii) in response
to the third input during the first call, notify that the at least
one processor executes the third function after the first call,
(iii) in response to the second input during the second call,
notify that the at least one processor executes the second function
after the second call, and (iv) in response to the third input
during the second call, notify that the at least one processor
executes the third function after the second call.
10. The electronic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein (i) in
response to the first input during the first call, the at least one
processor inquires of a user, after the first call, about whether
to execute the first function, (ii) in response to the third input
during the first call, the at least one processor inquires of the
user, after the first call, about whether to execute the third
function, (iii) in response to the second input during the second
call, the at least one processor inquires of the user, after the
second call, about whether to execute the second function, and (iv)
in response to the third input during the second call, the at least
one processor inquires of the user, after the second call, about
whether to execute the third function.
11. A method for controlling an electronic apparatus, the method
comprising: processing, through a communication unit that
communicates with a plurality of networks, a first call via a first
network and a second call via a second network different from the
first network, the first network and the second network being
included in the plurality of networks; executing (i) a first
function of terminating communication via the first network, in
response to a first input to an input unit, (ii) a second function
of terminating communication via the second network, in response to
a second input to the input unit, and (iii) a third function of
terminating communication via the first and second networks, in
response to a third input to the input unit; and limiting, in
processing the first call, at least one of the first input and the
first function and at least one of the third input and the third
function, and limiting, in processing the second call, at least one
of the second input and the second function and at least one of the
third input and the third function.
12. A processor for an electronic apparatus including a
communication unit that communicates with a plurality of networks,
and an input unit, the processor comprising: a call processor that
processes, through the communication unit, a first call via a first
network and a second call via a second network different from the
first network, the first network and the second network being
included in the plurality of networks; a function processor that
executes (i) a first function of terminating communication via the
first network, in response to a first input to the input unit, (ii)
a second function of terminating communication via the second
network, in response to a second input to the input unit, and (iii)
a third function of terminating communication via the first and
second networks, in response to a third input to the input unit;
and a limiting processor that limits, when the call processor
processes the first call, at least one of the first input and the
first function and at least one of the third input and the third
function, and limits, when the call processor processes the second
call, at least one of the second input and the second function and
at least one of the third input and the third function.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-149356, filed on
Jul. 29, 2015, entitled "ELECTRONIC APPARATUS". The content of
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an
electronic apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Mobile phones can communicate with another mobile phone via,
for example, voice communication networks. Meanwhile, mobile phones
that communicate with another mobile phone via, for example,
Internet Protocol (IP) networks have been on the market in recent
years. Moreover, mobile phones that communicate with another mobile
phone via networks each using an access point of a wireless local
area network (LAN) as a network window have also been on the
market.
SUMMARY
[0004] An electronic apparatus, and a method for controlling the
same and a processor for the same are disclosed. In one embodiment,
the electronic apparatus comprises a communication unit, at least
one processor, an input unit. The communication unit communicates
with a plurality of networks. The at least one processor processes,
through the communication unit, a first call via a first network
and a second call via a second network different from the first
network, the first network and the second network being included in
the plurality of networks. The at least one processor executes (i)
a first function of terminating communication via the first
network, in response to a first input to the input unit, (ii) a
second function of terminating communication via the second
network, in response to a second input to the input unit, and (iii)
a third function of terminating communication via the first and
second networks, in response to a third input to the input unit.
The at least one processor limits, when the at least one processor
processes the first call, at least one of the first input and the
first function and at least one of the third input and the third
function, and limits, when the at least one processor processes the
second call, at least one of the second input and the second
function and at least one of the third input and the third
function.
[0005] In one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a
communication unit and an input unit. The communication unit
communicates with a plurality of networks. A method for controlling
the electronic apparatus comprises first to third processes. The
first process is processing, through the communication unit, a
first call via a first network and a second call via a second
network different from the first network, the first network and the
second network being included in the plurality of networks. The
second process is executing (i) a first function of terminating
communication via the first network, in response to a first input
to the input unit, (ii) a second function of terminating
communication via the second network, in response to a second input
to the input unit, and (iii) a third function of terminating
communication via the first and second networks, in response to a
third input to the input unit. The third process is limiting, in
processing the first call, at least one of the first input and the
first function and at least one of the third input and the third
function, and limiting, in processing the second call, at least one
of the second input and the second function and at least one of the
third input and the third function.
[0006] In one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a
communication unit and an input unit. The communication unit
communicates with a plurality of networks. A processor for the
electronic apparatus comprises a call processor, a function
processor, and a limiting processor. The call processor processes,
through the communication unit, a first call via a first network
and a second call via a second network different from the first
network, the first network and the second network being included in
the plurality of networks. The function processor executes (i) a
first function of terminating communication via the first network,
in response to a first input to the input unit, (ii) a second
function of terminating communication via the second network, in
response to a second input to the input unit, and (iii) a third
function of terminating communication via the first and second
networks, in response to a third input to the input unit. The
limiting processor limits, when the call processor processes the
first call, at least one of the first input and the first function
and at least one of the third input and the third function, and
limits, when the call processor processes the second call, at least
one of the second input and the second function and at least one of
the third input and the third function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a structure
of a network system.
[0008] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a network in
voice call.
[0009] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of a network in
communication call.
[0010] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example of a network in
wireless LAN call.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view showing an example of an
external appearance of an electronic apparatus.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view showing an example of an
external appearance of the electronic apparatus.
[0013] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an example of an electrical
configuration of the electronic apparatus.
[0014] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an example of a
configuration of a controller.
[0015] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an example of a home
screen.
[0016] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an example of a call
screen.
[0017] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an example of a
notification screen.
[0018] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates an example of a menu
screen.
[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates a table showing an example of types of
calls and their respective functions.
[0020] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a flowchart showing an
example of operations performed by the controller.
[0021] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a flowchart showing an
example of operations performed by the controller.
[0022] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates an example of a menu
screen.
[0023] FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an example of a menu
screen.
[0024] FIG. 18 schematically illustrates an example of a menu
screen.
[0025] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a flowchart showing an
example of operations performed by the controller.
[0026] FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a flowchart showing an
example of operations performed by the controller.
[0027] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a flowchart showing an
example of operations performed by the controller.
[0028] FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a flowchart showing an
example of operations performed by the controller.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Outline of Overall Structure
[0029] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a structure
of a network system. This network system includes base stations
210, servers 220, and a network 230.
[0030] Electronic apparatuses 100 that are example call apparatuses
can, for example, wirelessly, communicate with the base stations
210. The base stations 210 also communicate with the servers 220.
The servers 220 transmit signals received from the base station 210
to the network 230, and signals received from the network 230 to
the base stations 210.
[0031] In the network system, the electronic apparatuses 100 can
communicate with another electronic apparatus via the base stations
210, the servers 220, and the network 230. For example, the
electronic apparatuses 100 can transmit a signal to the other
electronic apparatus via the first base station 210, the first
server 220, the network 230, the second server 220, and the second
base station 210, and receive a signal from the other electronic
apparatus in an opposite order to the transmission order.
[0032] Furthermore, the electronic apparatuses 100 can communicate
with the base stations 210 in accordance with telecommunications
standards. Examples of the telecommunications standards in mobile
telecommunications include the first generation (1G) to the fourth
generation (4G) of telecommunications standards. Each of the base
stations 210 complies with at least one of these generations of
telecommunications standards. Herein, 3G and 4G are mainly used.
Examples of 4G include the Long-Term Evolution (LTE). The network
system herein may include, for example, the base stations 210 that
comply with 3G, and the base stations 210 that comply with both 3G
and 4G.
[0033] It is expected that additional telecommunications standards
will appear with each passing generation. Such telecommunications
standards may also be used herein.
[0034] Furthermore, examples of wireless telecommunications
standards include wireless LAN standards. The base stations 210 can
communicate with the electronic apparatuses 100 via the wireless
LANs. Since the wireless communication distance in communication
via the wireless LANs is shorter than those in accordance with 3G
and 4G, access points 211 such as rooters are located as repeaters
between the base stations 210 and the electronic apparatuses
100.
[0035] The network 230 includes networks. Examples of the networks
include a voice communication network 231 and a mobile network 232
(for example, the Internet such as IP network).
[0036] The servers 220 transmit a signal transmitted from each of
the base stations 210, to a network corresponding to the signal.
For example, when the electronic apparatuses 100 communicate via
the voice communication network 231, the servers 220 transmit and
receive a signal via the voice communication network 231 (see also
FIG. 2). When the electronic apparatuses 100 communicate via the
mobile network 232, the servers 220 transmit and receive a signal
via the mobile network 232 (see also FIGS. 3 and 4).
[0037] The electronic apparatuses 100 can communicate with one
another via different networks. Specifically, the electronic
apparatuses 100 may communicate via the voice communication network
231, for example, in communicating in accordance with 3G as
exemplified by FIG. 2. Furthermore, the electronic apparatuses 100
may communicate via the mobile network 232, for example, in
communicating in accordance with 4G as exemplified by FIG. 3.
Furthermore, the electronic apparatuses 100 may communicate through
the access points 211 via the mobile network 232 as exemplified by
FIG. 4, for example, in communicating in accordance with the
wireless LAN standards.
[0038] The path (FIG. 2) via the voice communication network 231 in
accordance with 3G will also be referred to as a voice network, the
path (FIG. 3) via the mobile network 232 in accordance with 4G will
also be referred to as a communication network, and the path (FIG.
4) via the mobile network 232 in accordance with the wireless LAN
standards will also be referred to as a wireless LAN network.
[Electronic Apparatus]
[External Appearance]
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an external appearance of
the electronic apparatus 100 when viewed from the front side. FIG.
6 illustrates a rear view showing an example of an external
appearance of the electronic apparatus 100. This electronic
apparatus 100 can communicate with the other electronic apparatus
100 via, for example, the base stations 210 and the servers 220.
The electronic apparatus 100 is, for example, a mobile electronic
apparatus, such as a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a
mobile phone (smartphone), or a personal computer.
[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electronic apparatus
100 includes a cover panel 2 and a case part 3. The combination of
the cover panel 2 and the case part 3 comprises a case 4 forming,
for example, an approximately rectangular plate in a plan view
(hereinafter may be referred to as "apparatus case").
[0041] The cover panel 2 is, for example, approximately rectangular
in a plan view, and is a portion other than the peripheral end in
the front portion of the electronic apparatus 100. The cover panel
2 is formed of, for example, a transparent glass or a transparent
acrylic resin. Alternatively, the cover panel 2 is made of, for
example, sapphire. Sapphire is a single crystal mainly containing
alumina (Al.sub.2O.sub.3), and is a single crystal whose purity of
Al.sub.2O.sub.3 is approximately 90% or greater herein. The purity
of Al.sub.2O.sub.3 is preferably greater than or equal to 99% to
provide a greater resistance to damage of the cover panel 2.
[0042] The cover panel 2 may be a composite panel (laminated panel)
with a multiple layer structure including a layer made of sapphire.
For example, the cover panel 2 may be a composite panel with a
two-layer structure of: a first layer made of sapphire and located
on the surface of the electronic apparatus 100 (a sapphire panel);
and a second layer made of glass and stuck on the first layer (a
glass panel). Furthermore, the cover panel 2 may be a composite
panel with a three-layer structure of: a first layer made of
sapphire and located on the surface of the electronic apparatus 100
(a sapphire panel); a second layer made of glass and stuck on the
first layer (a glass panel); and a third layer made of sapphire and
stuck on the second layer (a sapphire panel). Furthermore, the
cover panel 2 may comprise a layer made of one of crystalline
materials other than sapphire, such as diamond, zirconia, titania,
crystal, lithium tantalite, and aluminum oxynitride.
[0043] The case part 3 comprises the peripheral end in the front
portion, the side portion, and the rear portion of the electronic
apparatus 100. The case part 3 is made of, for example, a
polycarbonate resin.
[0044] The front surface of the cover panel 2 comprises a display
area 2a on which various pieces of information such as characters,
symbols, figures, and images are displayed. The display area 2a is,
for example, rectangular in a plan view. A peripheral end 2b of the
cover panel 2 that surrounds the display area 2a is opaque because
of, for example, a film attached thereto, and is a non-display
portion on which no information is displayed. A touch panel 52 to
be described later is stuck on the rear surface of the cover panel
2. The user can provide various instructions to the electronic
apparatus 100 by operating the display area 2a on the front surface
of the electronic apparatus 100 using the finger or the like. The
user can provide the various instructions to the electronic
apparatus 100 also by operating the display area 2a with operators
other than the finger, such as, pens for electrostatic touch panels
including a stylus pen.
[0045] The apparatus case 4 comprises, for example, an operation
key 5. The operation key 5 is, for example, a hardware key, and is
located, for example, at the lower end on the front surface of the
cover panel 2.
[0046] The touch panel 52 and the operation key 5 are examples of
an input unit through which the user enters data into the
electronic apparatus 100. Various inputs to be described
hereinafter may be entered via the touch panel 52 or the operation
key 5. The touch panel 52 will be typically used in the following
description.
[0047] In various embodiments, the input unit may be implemented
using any input technology or device known in the art such as, for
example, a QWERTY keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse), a
joy stick, a stylus, a touch screen display panel, a key pad, one
or more buttons, etc., or any combination of these
technologies.
[Electrical Configuration of Electronic Apparatus]
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of the electronic apparatus 100. The electronic
apparatus 100 in FIG. 7 includes, for example, a controller 10, a
wireless communication unit 20, a display 41, a first sound output
unit (herein a receiver) 42, a second sound output unit (herein a
speaker) 44, a vibrator 45, a voice input unit 46, the touch panel
52, a key operation unit 54, an imager 60, and a SIM slot 70. The
apparatus case 4 accommodates these constituent elements of the
electronic apparatus 100.
[0049] The controller 10 includes, for example, a central
processing unit (CPU) 101, a digital signal processor (DSP) 102,
and a storage 103. The controller 10 manages the overall operations
of the electronic apparatus 100 by controlling the other
constituent elements of the electronic apparatus 100. The storage
103 includes, for example, a read only memory (ROM) and a random
access memory (RAM). The storage 103 stores, for example, (i) main
programs that are control programs for controlling operations of
the electronic apparatus 100, specifically, for controlling the
respective constituent elements of the electronic apparatus 100
such as the wireless communication unit 20 and the display 41, and
(ii) application programs (simply referred to as "applications"
hereinafter). The CPU 101 and the DSP 102 execute various programs
in the storage 103 to achieve various functions of the controller
10. Although FIG. 7 illustrates the one CPU 101 and the one DSP
102, the controller 10 may include CPUs 101 and DSPs 102. The CPU
11 and the DPS 12 may cooperate with each other to achieve the
various functions. Furthermore, although the storage 103 is inside
the controller 10 in FIG. 7, it may be placed outside of the
controller 10. In other words, the storage 103 may be separated
from the controller 10. Furthermore, a part or a whole of the
functions of the controller 10 may be achieved by hardware.
[0050] The controller 10 includes at least one processor for
providing control and processing capability to perform various
functions as described in further detail below. In accordance with
various embodiments, the at least one processor 100 may be
implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as multiple
communicatively coupled IC's and/or discrete circuits. It is
appreciated that the at least one processor 100 can be implemented
in accordance with various known technologies.
[0051] In one embodiment, the processor includes one or more
circuits or units configurable to perform one or more data
computing procedures or processes by executing instructions stored
in an associated memory, for example. In other embodiments, the
processor 100 may be implemented as firmware (e.g. discrete logic
components) configured to perform one or more data computing
procedures or processes.
[0052] In accordance with various embodiments, the processor may
include one or more processors, controllers, microprocessors,
microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs),
digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, field
programmable gate arrays, or any combination of these devices or
structures, or other known devices and structures, to perform the
functions described herein.
[0053] The wireless communication unit 20 may be a communication
circuit, and includes an antenna 21. The wireless communication
unit 20 can communicate with networks (for example, a voice
network, a communication network, and a wireless LAN network) via
the antenna 21. The networks herein are, for example, networks
having different communication protocols. For example, the wireless
communication unit 20 can communicate with the base stations 210
directly or through the access points 211. The wireless
communication unit 20 amplifies and down-converts a received
signal, and outputs a resulting signal to the controller 10. The
controller 10, for example, demodulates the received signal.
Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 20 up-converts and
amplifies a transmission signal generated by the controller 10, and
wirelessly transmits the processed transmission signal from the
antenna 21.
[0054] The display 41 is, for example, a liquid crystal display
panel or an organic electro luminescent (EL) panel. The display 41
displays the various pieces of information such as characters,
symbols, figures, and images by control of the controller 10. The
information displayed on the display 41 is displayed in the display
area 2a on the front surface of the cover panel 2. Thus, the
display 41 displays information in the display area 2a.
[0055] The touch panel 52 detects an operation of an operator, such
as the finger, in the display area 2a of the cover panel 2. The
touch panel 52 is, for example, a projected capacitive touch panel,
and stuck on the rear surface of the cover panel 2. For example,
when the user operates the display area 2a of the cover panel 2
using an operator, such as his/her finger, the touch panel 52
enters the corresponding signal into the controller 10. The
controller 10 identifies details of the operation performed in the
display area 2a, based on the signal from the touch panel 52, and
performs a process corresponding to the identified details. The
touch panel 52 may be a pressure-sensitive touch panel.
[0056] Since the touch panel 52 detects an operation of the user
corresponding to the details displayed on the display 41, the touch
panel 52 and the display 41 comprise an input unit by cooperating
with each other.
[0057] The key operation unit 54 detects an operation of depressing
the operation key 5 by the user. The key operation unit 54
determines whether the operation key 5 is depressed. When the
operation key 5 is not depressed, the key operation unit 54
outputs, to the controller 10, a non-operated signal indicating
that the operation key 5 is not operated. Furthermore, when the
operation key 5 is depressed, the key operation unit 54 outputs, to
the controller 10, an operation signal indicating that the
operation key 5 is operated. Accordingly, the controller 10 can
determine whether the operation key 5 is operated.
[0058] Each of the touch panel 52 and the operation key 5 functions
as an input unit to the electronic apparatus 100. Any input using
the touch panel 52 to be described hereinafter can be assigned to
the operation key 5.
[0059] The first sound output unit (for example, the receiver) 42
outputs received sound, and is, for example, a dynamic speaker. The
first sound output unit 42 converts an electric sound signal from
the controller 10 into a sound, and then outputs the sound. The
sound output from the first sound output unit 42 is output from a
receiver hole 80a formed on the front surface of the electronic
apparatus 100 to the outside. The volume of the sound output from
the receiver hole 80a is smaller than the volume of the sound
output from the second sound output unit 44 through speaker holes
34a.
[0060] As a replacement for the first sound output unit 42, a
piezoelectric vibrator may be located. The piezoelectric vibrator
is controlled by the controller 10, and vibrates based on a voice
signal. The piezoelectric vibrator is located, for example, on the
rear surface of the cover panel 2, and vibrates the cover panel 2
with the own vibration based on the voice signal. Accordingly, the
vibration of the cover panel 2 is transmitted to the ears of the
user as voice. Here, the receiver hole 80a is unnecessary.
[0061] The second sound output unit (for example, a speaker) 44 is,
for example, a dynamic speaker, and converts an electric sound
signal from the controller 10 into a sound, and then outputs the
sound. The sound output from the second sound output unit 44 is
output from the speaker holes 34a formed on the rear surface of the
electronic apparatus 100 to the outside. The volume of the sound
output from the speaker holes 34a is adjusted to be heard at a
location distant from the electronic apparatus 100. In other words,
the volume of the second sound output unit (speaker) 44 is larger
than that of the first sound output unit (receiver or piezoelectric
vibrator) 42.
[0062] The voice input unit 46 is, for example, a microphone, and
converts the voice entered from outside of the electronic apparatus
100 into an electric sound signal and outputs the electric sound
signal to the controller 10. The voice from the outside of the
electronic apparatus 100 enters the voice input unit 46 from a
microphone hole formed on the front surface of the cover panel 2 to
the electronic apparatus 100.
[0063] The vibrator 45 vibrates under control by the controller 10.
The vibration is transferred to the case 4 of the electronic
apparatus 100. Accordingly, the user can receive a notice from the
electronic apparatus 100.
[0064] Each of the display 41, the first sound output unit 42, the
second sound output unit 44, and the vibrator 45 is an example of a
notifier 40 to the effect that it can notify the user of
information.
[0065] The imager 60 includes, for example, a first imager 62 and a
second imager 64. The first imager 62 includes, for example, an
imaging lens 6a and an imaging sensor, and images a still image and
a moving image based on the control by the controller 10. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, the imaging lens 6a located on the front
surface of the electronic apparatus 100 can image an object in
front of the electronic apparatus 100 (toward the cover panel
2).
[0066] The second imager 64 includes, for example, an imaging lens
7a and an imaging sensor, and images a still image and a moving
image based on the control by the controller 10. As illustrated in
FIG. 6, the imaging lens 7a located on the rear surface of the
electronic apparatus 100 can image an object in the rear of the
electronic apparatus 100.
[0067] A subscriber identity module (SIM) card is inserted into the
SIM slot 70. This SIM card is an integrated circuit (IC) card, and
records, for example, a telephone number as subscriber information.
The controller 10 can read this telephone number from the SIM card
inserted into the SIM slot 70.
[0068] Furthermore, SIM cards may be inserted into the SIM slot 70.
The SIM cards store respective different telephone numbers. The
user designates one of the SIM cards using an input unit 50. The
controller 10 reads a telephone number from the SIM card designated
by the user so that the user can communicate using this telephone
number.
[0069] Accordingly, the one electronic apparatus 100 can switch
between telephone numbers for use. For example, a mobile phone to
which two SIM cards can be inserted is called a dual SIM mobile
phone. Here, the user can switch, for example, between a private
telephone number and a business telephone number using the one
electronic apparatus 100.
[Controller]
[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates a functional block diagram schematically
showing an example of an internal configuration of the controller
10. The controller 10 includes a call processor 110, a function
processor 120, and a limiting processor 130. These functional
processors may be implemented by software, or a part or a whole of
the functional processors may be implemented by hardware.
[0071] The controller 10 has multi-task functions. Thus, the call
processor 110, an operation setting device 121, and the limiting
processor 130 can be operated in parallel by, for example, time
division.
[0072] The call processor 110 can process, through the wireless
communication unit 20, for example, a call via a voice network
(hereinafter referred to as "voice call"), a call via a
communication network (hereinafter referred to as "communication
call"), and a call via a wireless LAN network (hereinafter referred
to as "wireless LAN call").
[0073] In FIG. 8, the call processor 110 includes, for example,
call processors 111 and 112. Each of the call processors 111 and
112 is activated, for example, according to an operation of the
user. For example, the controller 10 causes the display 41 to
display a home screen. FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an example
of a home screen 10b. In this home screen 10b, elements 10c (for
example, icons) each of which functions as a button are displayed
in list form. These elements 10c correspond to various
applications. When the user operates, for example, one of the
elements 10c, the touch panel 52 detects the operation, and enters
it into the controller 10. The controller 10 executes the
corresponding application. For example, the call processor 111 is
activated upon selection of the element 10c indicating the call
processor 111, whereas the call processor 112 is activated upon
selection of the element 10c indicating the call processor 112.
[0074] The call processor 111 causes the display 41 to display a
call screen (not illustrated) after the activation. In the call
screen, an input button of address information indicating a called
party (for example, a telephone number), and an input button
instructing to call are displayed. When the user operates for
designating a called party and instructing to call, the touch panel
52 detects these operations, and enters them into the call
processor 111. The call processor 111 transmits the calling signal
to the electronic apparatus 100 of the called party via the
wireless communication unit 20.
[0075] When the electronic apparatus 100 of the called party
receives the calling signal as an incoming call signal, the
electronic apparatus 100 informs the receipt to the called party
and receives an instruction about whether to reply to the incoming
call. When the called party instructs the electronic apparatus 100
not to reply, the electronic apparatus 100 blocks the call and ends
the call processing. On the other hand, when the called party
instructs the electronic apparatus 100 to reply, the electronic
apparatus 100 transmits the acknowledgement signal to the
electronic apparatus 100 of the calling party through the same
route, and starts the communication.
[0076] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an example of a call
screen 110a to be displayed on the display 41 during a call. In the
call screen 110a, an element 110b functioning as a button for
ending the call is displayed. When the user operates the element
110b, the touch panel 52 detects this operation, and enters it into
the call processor 111. In response to the operation, the call
processor 111 ends the call.
[0077] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 10, an element 10a is
also displayed in the call screen 110a. This element 10a functions
as a button for switching a screen on the display 41 from the call
screen 110a to the home screen 10b. When the user operates the
element 10a, the touch panel 52 detects this operation, and enters
it into the controller 10. In response to this operation, the
controller 10 causes the display 41 to temporarily finish
displaying the call screen 110a and display the home screen
10b.
[0078] Since the controller 10 has the multi-task functions as
described above, even when the home screen 10b is displayed on the
display 41, the call processor 111 executes the call
processing.
[0079] The operations of the call processor 112 are the same as
those of the call processor 111, but differ from those of the call
processor 111 in network to be used for call. The call processor
111 can process, for example, a voice call via a voice network and
a communication call via a communication network. In other words,
the call processor 111 can process a voice call via the voice
communication network 231 in accordance with 3G (FIG. 2), and a
communication call via the mobile network 232 in accordance with 4G
(FIG. 3).
[0080] The call processor 111 can understand the telecommunications
standards corresponding to the respective base stations 210,
through communication with the base stations 210. Here, the call
processor 111 may process a voice call and a communication call as
follows. For example, when the electronic apparatus 100 is within a
communication zone of the base station 210 that does not comply
with 4G, the call processor 111 processes a voice call in
accordance with 3G to communicate with the base station 210.
Furthermore, when the electronic apparatus 100 is within a
communication zone of the base station 210 that complies with 4G,
the call processor 111 processes a communication call in accordance
with 4G to communicate with the base station 210.
[0081] Meanwhile, the call processor 112 can process a wireless LAN
call via a wireless LAN network (FIG. 4).
[0082] Upon receipt of an incoming call, a call processor
corresponding to a network used by, for example, the electronic
apparatus 100 of the called party may perform incoming call
processing. For example, the call processor 111 may perform the
incoming call processing upon receipt of an incoming call signal
via a voice network or a communication network, or the call
processor 112 may perform the incoming call processing upon receipt
of an incoming call signal via a wireless LAN network.
[0083] The incoming call processing may be performed as follows,
for example. Upon receipt of an incoming call signal, the call
processor 110 causes, for example, the second sound output unit 44
to output sound and the display 41 to display an incoming call
screen (not illustrated), to inform the receipt to the user. The
incoming call screen displays an element indicating whether to
reply to this incoming call. When the user enters a reply, a call
with the electronic apparatus 100 of the called party starts. When
the user enters a refusal, the communication is terminated to end
the call.
[0084] Furthermore, the operations between the call processors 111
and 112 may differ in address information of the called party. For
example, the call processor 111 may use subscriber information (for
example, a telephone number) stored in a SIM card, and the call
processor 112 may use, for example, an IP address or a mail address
without using a SIM card.
[0085] The function processor 120 can execute various functions
according to an input to the input unit 50. Specific examples of
the various functions will be described later. Some of the
functions involve termination of communication via at least one of
a voice network, a communication network, and a wireless LAN
network. Examples of the functions include itemizing settings on
each network. The specific examples include a setting for turning
ON or OFF a wireless LAN. If a wireless LAN is disabled,
communication via the wireless LAN network is terminated.
[0086] For example, the function processor 120 includes the
operation setting device 121 and a power processor 122 (see also
FIG. 8). The operation setting device 121 is a functional device
that changes a setting to the electronic apparatus 100, according
to an input by the user. This setting will be described later.
[0087] The function processor 120 (specifically, the operation
setting device 121) can cause the display 41 to display a setting
screen. Examples of the setting screen include a notification in
Android.TM. operating system.
[0088] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an example of a
notification screen 10d. In this notification screen 10d, an
element 121b for changing some settings is displayed. The element
121b represents, for example, within a rectangle frame, a setting
with a corresponding symbol. For example, the element 121b at the
upper left portion of the notification screen 10d is an element
that turns ON or OFF a wireless LAN. The user can change the
setting corresponding to the element 121b by operating the element
121b. For example, each time the element 121b at the upper left
portion in FIG. 11 is operated, the operation setting device 121
switches between ON and OFF of the wireless LAN.
[0089] Furthermore, examples of the setting screen also include a
menu screen that displays various settings in list form. This
setting screen can be called from, for example, the notification
screen 10d. For example, an element 121a for calling the setting
screen is displayed in the notification screen 10d. When the user
operates the element 121a, the touch panel 52 detects this
operation, and enters it into the operation setting device 121. The
operation setting device 121 causes the display 41 to display a
setting menu screen 10e.
[0090] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates an example of the setting
menu screen 10e. For example, various settings are organized into
layer groups, and lower layer groups are displayed below upper
layer groups in list form in the menu screen 10e. Each of the lower
layer groups may function as a button for the selection itself. For
example, when the user operates an element 121c displayed as
"WIRELESS LAN SETTING" that is an example of the lower layer
groups, the operation setting device 121 receives the operation
from the touch panel 52, and causes the display 41 to display a
menu screen (not illustrated) that displays settings belonging to
"WIRELESS LAN SETTING" in list form.
[0091] As described above, the user appropriately selects each of
the groups to display a menu screen corresponding to a lower layer,
which enables the display 41 to display necessary settings.
Furthermore, the user selects an element corresponding to a setting
from the menu screen, and changes the setting.
[0092] The element that functions as a button for changing a
setting may be displayed not only in the notification screen 10d
and a menu screen but also in the home screen 10b. For example, a
function of changing a setting may be assigned to one of the
elements 10c. Here, the user can change a setting by operating the
element 10c. Alternatively, a function of calling a menu screen may
be assigned to one of the elements 10c in the home screen 10b.
[0093] Next, specific examples of the settings will be described.
With this change of settings, communication via at least one of a
voice network, a communication network, and a wireless LAN network
is terminated. Some settings obviously do not involve such
termination of the communication; however, the description of such
settings will be omitted herein.
[0094] FIG. 13 illustrates a table showing an example of various
functions executed by the function processor 120. FIG. 13 shows the
various functions and types of calls to be disconnected by the
functions. The various functions include settings. Examples of the
settings include change in SIM card, change in network operator,
change in network type, change in user, an airplane mode,
initialization, system update, turning ON or OFF communication
data, turning ON or OFF Long-Term Evolution (LTE), turning ON or
OFF a wireless LAN, and disconnection of a connected wireless LAN
and connection to another access point.
[0095] The change in SIM card is a setting when SIM cards can be
inserted into the SIM slot 70. This setting determines which one of
the SIM cards is to be used. When the user operates an element
corresponding to this setting to select a SIM card, the touch panel
52 detects the operation, and outputs it to the operation setting
device 121. The operation setting device 121 sets the selected SIM
card after temporarily terminating communication via networks in
accordance with 3G and 4G. Subsequently, the call processor 111
processes a call using a telephone number of the set SIM card.
[0096] According to the change in SIM card, the communication via
the networks in accordance with 3G and 4G is terminated. Thus, the
change in SIM card during a voice call or a communication call
results in disconnection of the call.
[0097] The network operator is, for example, a mobile network
operator. For example, a network system includes the base stations
210 authorized by respective network operators. The same holds true
for the servers 220 and the network 230. The user selects and sets
a network operator. The electronic apparatus 100 communicates using
each of elements authorized by the set network operator.
[0098] When the user operates an element of the setting indicating
change in the network operator to select a network operator, the
touch panel 52 detects the operation, and outputs it to the
operation setting device 121. The operation setting device 121
changes the network operator after temporarily terminating the
communication via the networks in accordance with 3G and 4G.
Subsequently, the electronic apparatus 100 communicates using each
of these elements authorized by the set network operator.
[0099] According to the change in network operator, the
communication via the networks in accordance with 3G and 4G is
terminated. Thus, the change in network operator during a voice
call or a communication call results in disconnection of the
call.
[0100] The network type refers to, for example, a type of
telecommunications standard, such as 3G and 4G. Change in the
network type indicates change as to which telecommunications
standard is to be used, for example, 3G or 4G. For example, the
user selects a mode in which only 3G is used, a mode in which only
4G is used, or a mode in which both 3G and 4G are used. When the
user operates an element of the setting indicating change in the
network type to select one of these modes, the touch panel 52
detects the operation, and outputs it to the operation setting
device 121. The operation setting device 121 sets the electronic
apparatus 100 so that the electronic apparatus 100 uses the
telecommunications standard in the selected mode. Subsequently, the
electronic apparatus 100 communicates in accordance with the set
telecommunications standard.
[0101] Thus, when, for example, only 3G is used, communication via
a network in accordance with 4G is terminated. Furthermore, when,
for example, only 4G is used, communication via a network in
accordance with 3G is terminated. Thus, when only 4G is used during
a voice call, the voice call is disconnected. Furthermore, when
only 3G is used during a communication call, the communication call
is also disconnected.
[0102] The change in user is a setting when the controller 10 can
set user accounts. The controller 10 manages the respective user
accounts, and allows the user to use a function of the electronic
apparatus 100 for each of the user accounts. For example, a file
created when a user logs in with a user account may be used only
with the user account.
[0103] The change in user is a setting for changing this user
account. When the user operates an element of the setting
indicating the change in user, the touch panel 52 detects the
operation, and outputs it to the operation setting device 121. The
operation setting device 121 changes the user account after
temporarily terminating the communication via all the networks.
Thus, with the change in user during one of a voice call, a
communication call, and a wireless LAN call, the call is
disconnected.
[0104] The airplane mode is a mode mainly used when the user boards
an airplane, and is a mode for terminating the communication via
all the networks. When the user operates an element of the setting
indicating the airplane mode, the touch panel 52 detects the
operation, and outputs it to the operation setting device 121. The
operation setting device 121 sets the airplane mode to terminate
the communication via all the networks. Thus, when the airplane
mode is set during one of a voice call, a communication call, and a
wireless LAN call, the call is disconnected.
[0105] The initialization is a function of initializing the various
settings. The various settings are initialized to, for example, a
factory shipping state. When the user operates an element of the
setting indicating the initialization, the touch panel 52 detects
the operation, and outputs it to the operation setting device 121.
The operation setting device 121 initializes the various settings
after temporarily terminating the communication via all the
networks. Thus, when the initialization is set during one of a
voice call, a communication call, and a wireless LAN call, the call
is disconnected.
[0106] The system update is a function of updating the operating
system operated by the controller 10. When the user operates an
element of the setting indicating the system update, the touch
panel 52 detects the operation, and outputs it to the operation
setting device 121. For example, when the storage 103 stores an
update program that has not yet been executed, the operation
setting device 121 executes the update program to update the
operating system after terminating the communication via all the
networks. Thus, when the system update is set during one of a voice
call, a communication call, and a wireless LAN call, the call is
disconnected.
[0107] Turning ON or OFF communication data is a function of
setting validity or invalidity of the communication via the mobile
network 232 in accordance with 3G and 4G. When the user operates an
element of the setting indicating the turning ON or OFF
communication data, the touch panel 52 detects the operation, and
outputs it to the operation setting device 121. When the user
enters turning-ON the communication data, the operation setting
device 121 sets the electronic apparatus 100 so that the electronic
apparatus 100 uses the mobile network 232 in accordance with 3G or
4G. When the user enters turning-OFF the communication data, the
operation setting device 121 sets the electronic apparatus 100 so
that the electronic apparatus 100 does not use the mobile network
232 in accordance with 3G or 4G. Thus, when the communication data
is turned OFF during a communication call, the communication call
is disconnected.
[0108] Although the communication via a communication network is
terminated by turning OFF the communication data, the communication
via the voice communication network 231 is not terminated. Thus,
even when the communication data is turned OFF during a voice call
via a voice network, the voice call can be continued.
[0109] The turning ON or OFF the LTE is a function of setting
validity or invalidity of the communication in accordance with the
LTE that is one of the network types of 4G. When the user operates
an element of the setting indicating the turning ON or OFF the LTE,
the touch panel 52 detects the operation, and outputs it to the
operation setting device 121. When the user enters turning-ON the
LTE, the operation setting device 121 sets the electronic apparatus
100 so that the electronic apparatus 100 uses a network in
accordance with the LTE. When the user enters turning-OFF the LTE,
the operation setting device 121 sets the electronic apparatus 100
so that the electronic apparatus 100 does not use the network in
accordance with the LTE. Thus, when the LTE is turned OFF during a
communication call, the communication call is disconnected.
[0110] The turning ON or OFF a wireless LAN is a function of
setting validity or invalidity of the communication via the
wireless LAN. When the user operates an element of the setting
indicating the turning ON or OFF a wireless LAN, the touch panel 52
detects the operation, and outputs it to the operation setting
device 121. When the user enters turning-ON a wireless LAN, the
operation setting device 121 sets the electronic apparatus 100 so
that the electronic apparatus 100 uses the wireless LAN. When the
user enters turning-OFF a wireless LAN, the operation setting
device 121 sets the electronic apparatus 100 so that the electronic
apparatus 100 does not use the wireless LAN. Thus, when the
wireless LAN is turned OFF during a wireless LAN call, the wireless
LAN call is disconnected.
[0111] The disconnection of a connected wireless LAN is a function
of terminating communication via a wireless LAN during the
communication. When the user operates an element of the setting
indicating the disconnection of a connected wireless LAN, the touch
panel 52 detects the operation, and outputs it to the operation
setting device 121. The operation setting device 121 terminates the
communication via the wireless LAN. Thus, when the disconnection of
a connected wireless LAN is set during a wireless LAN call, the
wireless LAN call is disconnected.
[0112] The connection to another access point is a function of
connecting to another access point different from the access point
that is currently being communicated. When the user operates an
element of the setting indicating the connection to another access
point, the touch panel 52 detects the operation, and outputs it to
the operation setting device 121. The operation setting device 121
detects another access point, and causes the display 41 to display
this point. When the user selects the other access point, the touch
panel 52 detects this operation, and outputs it to the operation
setting device 121. The operation setting device 121 terminates the
communication with the connected access point, and sets the
connection to the other access point. Thus, when the connection to
the other access point is set during a wireless LAN call, the
wireless LAN call is disconnected.
[0113] The power processor 122 processes the power of the
electronic apparatus 100 according to an input by the user. For
example, when the user enters turning-OFF the power through the
input unit 50, the power processor 122 turns OFF the power of the
electronic apparatus 100. Accordingly, the communication via all
the networks is terminated.
[0114] Furthermore, when the user enters a reboot into the input
unit 50, the power processor 122 reboots the electronic apparatus
100 after temporarily terminating the communication via all the
networks.
[0115] Thus, when the user enters the turning-OFF power or the
reboot during one of a voice call, a communication call, and a
wireless LAN call, the call is disconnected.
[0116] As described above, with an input for executing each of the
various functions (change in the settings, the turning-OFF power,
and the reboot), a network corresponding to the function is
disconnected. When such a network is disconnected during a call via
the network, the call is disconnected.
[0117] Since the user can end a call with a first operation using
the element 110b in the call screen 110a, disconnection of the call
with an operation other than this first operation on the element
110b is not intended by the user but can be regarded as an
operating error. In other words, inputs corresponding to changes in
the various settings, the turning-OFF power, and the reboot during
a call can be regarded as operating errors.
[0118] Thus, during a call with the call processor 110, the
limiting processor 130 limits at least one of (i) a function of
terminating communication via a network to be used in the call and
(ii) an input that triggers the function. Accordingly, while the
user is on a call, the limiting reduces the possibility of
executing the function by an operating error and, accordingly,
reduces the possibility of disconnecting a call without any
intention.
[0119] For example, the call processor 110 should notify the
limiting processor 130 of information indicating whether the user
is on a call and information on a type of the call (a voice call, a
communication call, or a wireless LAN call).
[0120] Specific examples of the limiting includes disabling the
various functions by the limiting processor 130. For example,
during a voice call with the call processor 111, the limiting
processor 130 disables the function involving termination of
communication via the voice network. In the examples above, the
limiting processor 130 disables turning-OFF power, reboot, and the
settings of: change in SIM card, change in network operator, change
in network type, change in user, airplane mode, initialization, and
system update (see FIG. 13). The limiting processor 130 performs
the limiting by, for example, outputting a limiting instruction to
the function processor 120. The limiting instruction contains
information for designating a function to be limited. Accordingly,
even when the user enters change in the settings, the turning-OFF
power, or the reboot during a voice call, the function processor
120 does not execute the function corresponding to the input. Thus,
the voice call can be maintained without terminating communication
via the voice network.
[0121] For example, during a communication call with the call
processor 111, the limiting processor 130 disables the function
involving termination of communication via the communication
network. In the example above, the limiting processor 130 disables
turning-OFF power, reboot, and the settings of: turning OFF
communication data, turning OFF the LTE, change in SIM card, change
in network operator, change in network type, change in user,
airplane mode, initialization, and system update. Accordingly, even
when the user enters change in these settings, the turning-OFF
power, or the reboot during a communication call, the function
processor 120 does not execute the function corresponding to the
input. Thus, the communication call can be maintained without
terminating the communication via the communication network.
[0122] For example, during a wireless LAN call with the call
processor 112, the limiting processor 130 disables the function
involving termination of communication via the wireless LAN
network. In the example above, the limiting processor 130 disables
turning-OFF power, reboot, and the settings of: turning OFF the
wireless LAN, disconnection of a connected wireless LAN, connection
to another access point, change in user, airplane mode,
initialization, and system update. Accordingly, even when the user
enters change in these settings, the turning-OFF power, or the
reboot during a wireless LAN call, the function processor 120 does
not execute the function corresponding to the input. Thus, the
wireless LAN call can be maintained without terminating the
communication via the wireless LAN network.
[0123] FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of
operations performed by the controller 10. At a step ST1, the call
processor 110 starts a call according to an input of the user. For
example, the call starts when the call processor 110 responds to an
incoming call from a called party, or when the call processor 110
transmits a calling signal to the called party and the called party
responds to this.
[0124] Next, at a step ST2, the limiting processor 130 determines a
type of a network used in the call. Specifically, the limiting
processor 130 determines whether this call is a communication call,
a voice call, or a wireless LAN call. This information can be
obtained from the call processor 110.
[0125] When a communication network is used, the limiting processor
130 limits a function involving termination of communication via
the communication network at a step ST3. Furthermore, when a voice
network is used, the limiting processor 130 limits a function
involving termination of communication via the voice network at a
step ST4. Furthermore, when a wireless LAN network is used, the
limiting processor 130 limits a function involving termination of
communication via the wireless LAN network at a step ST5.
[0126] The end of a call may trigger the limiting to be
canceled.
[0127] Accordingly, during a call, an operating error induced by
executing a function of terminating communication via a network
used in the call hardly causes disconnection of the call.
[0128] The type and the number of networks whose communication is
to be terminated by each of the various functions differ depending
on the function. Examples of the various functions include a
function of terminating communication via only a type of a network,
a function of terminating communication via two types of networks,
and a function of terminating communication via all of networks.
Such functions are ascertained, and the functions are appropriately
limited herein according to each type of the calls. Thus, it is
possible to appropriately reduce, during a call, the possibility of
wrongly executing a function of terminating communication via a
network used in the call.
[0129] Although in the examples above, the limiting processor 130
performs the limiting using the start of a call as a trigger, the
limiting is not limited to such. The limiting may be performed when
a setting screen (for example, the home screen 10b, the
notification screen 10d, or the menu screen 10e) including elements
corresponding to functions is displayed on the display 41. FIG. 15
illustrates a flowchart showing an example of operations performed
by the controller 10. At a step ST11, the call processor 110 starts
a call according to an input of the user. Next, at a step ST12, the
user enters data into the input unit 50 to display a setting
screen.
[0130] Next, at a step ST13, the limiting processor 130 determines
a type of a network used in the call. Furthermore, when a
communication network is used, the limiting processor 130 limits a
function involving termination of communication via the
communication network at a step ST14. When a voice network is used,
the limiting processor 130 limits a function involving termination
of communication via the voice network at a step ST15. When a
wireless LAN network is used, the limiting processor 130 limits a
function involving termination of communication via the wireless
LAN network at a step ST16.
[0131] Through one of the steps ST14 to ST16, the function
processor 120 causes, at a step ST17, the display 41 to display a
setting screen (a home screen, a notification screen, or a menu
screen) including elements corresponding to functions according to
the input at the step ST12.
[0132] With these operations, the limiting (the steps ST13 to ST16)
can be performed using, as a trigger, an input (the step ST12) for
displaying a screen (a home screen, a notification screen, or a
menu screen) including elements corresponding to the respective
functions. Accordingly, the limiting can be performed when needed.
Specifically, since any element for executing the functions is not
displayed in the call screen 110a, the limiting is not performed
yet at this stage. When a screen including the elements is
displayed, the limiting is performed. This operation can avoid the
limiting from being unnecessarily performed.
[0133] Furthermore, a decision at the step ST13 may be made prior
to the step ST12, a result of the decision may be stored in, for
example, the storage 103, and the limiting (one of the steps ST14
to ST16) corresponding to the decision may be performed after the
step ST12.
[Display Mode]
[0134] The function processor 120 may cause the display 41 to
display an element corresponding to a function of the limiting
during a call, in a display mode different from the normal display
mode. FIG. 16 schematically illustrates an example of a menu screen
10f for setting a network. In the menu screen 10f, elements 121d
corresponding to settings are displayed and one of the elements
121d is displayed as "AIRPLANE MODE". Here, the setting of
"AIRPLANE MODE" is limited, and the "AIRPLANE MODE" is displayed in
outline letters in the example of FIG. 16. Although the outline
letters are used to simplify the illustration in FIG. 16, they may
be displayed in, for example, gray letters (i.e., grayed out). The
other elements 121d may be displayed in black letters. Accordingly,
the user can easily understand that the limiting is performed in
changing the setting of "AIRPLANE MODE".
[0135] Since the setting of "AIRPLANE MODE" is not limited without
any call, the function processor 120 causes the display 41 to
display the element of the setting in the normal display mode.
Specifically, without any call, the function processor 120 causes
the display 41 to display elements corresponding to the respective
various functions in a first display mode. During a call, the
function processor 120 causes the display 41 to display an element
corresponding to the limiting function in a second display mode
different from the first display mode.
[0136] Furthermore, the function processor 120 does not have to
display an element corresponding to a function to be disabled as
illustrated in FIG. 17. In the example of FIG. 17, the element 121d
of "AIRPLANE MODE" is not displayed. Specifically, without any
call, the function processor 120 causes the display 41 to display
the elements corresponding to the respective various functions.
During a call, the function processor 120 does not display an
element corresponding to a function to be disabled. Accordingly, no
data that causes a disabled function to be executed can enter
during a call. In a mode in which no element is displayed, no input
is allowed. Thus, this mode is equivalent to limiting an input.
[Notification]
[0137] With an input to any one of the various functions that have
been limited during a call, the notifier 40 may notify the user
that the limiting is being performed. For example, when the user
operates an element of the function through the touch panel 52, the
function processor 120 causes the display 41 to display information
indicating execution of the limiting, or the first sound output
unit 42 or the second sound output unit 44 to output sound that
provides the information. Alternatively, the function processor 120
may cause the vibrator 45 to vibrate. When the function processor
120 causes the display 41 to display the information indicating
execution of the limiting, the information may be displayed in text
or as a graphic symbol. Furthermore, the function processor 120 may
cause the display 41 to display that the user is on a call to
indirectly notify the execution of the limiting. FIG. 18
schematically illustrates an example of the menu screen 10f. In the
example of FIG. 18, notification content 40a is displayed. This
notification content 40a is displayed in text as, for example,
"FUNCTION IS LIMITED DURING CALL".
[0138] Accordingly, the user can know that the function is being
limited.
[Limiting Input]
[0139] In the above examples, a function involving termination of
communication via a network is limited. Thus, an input that
executes the function may be limited. For example, the limiting
processor 130 may reduce the sensitivity of an input that executes
the function (hereinafter may be referred to as "input
sensitivity") as the limiting. The input sensitivity represents
ease with which an operation by the user is determined as an input
to the electronic apparatus 100. For example, when the capacitive
touch panel 52 is used, if change in the capacitance is greater
than the reference capacitance value, the operation is determined
as an input to the electronic apparatus 100. When this reference
capacitance value is set smaller, slight change in the capacitance
allows detection of the input. When this reference capacitance
value is set greater, unless the capacitance greatly changes, the
input cannot be detected. In other words, this reference
capacitance value is an example of a parameter indicating an input
sensitivity. Smaller the reference capacitance value is, the higher
the input sensitivity is.
[0140] Furthermore, time is sometimes used as a condition for
detecting an input. For example, when a change in capacitance
exceeding the reference capacitance value is maintained for a
longer time than the time reference value, the operation is
determined as an input. Thus, even when the time for bringing an
operator closer to the touch panel 52 is shorter, the operation is
determined as an input with a smaller time reference value. Here,
the time reference value can be regarded as an example of the input
sensitivity. Thus, smaller the time reference value is, the higher
the input sensitivity is.
[0141] The limiting processor 130 sets an input sensitivity of the
function involving termination of communication via a network used
in a call when the call processor 110 processes the call lower than
an input sensitivity of the same function when the call processor
110 does not process the call. For example, during a voice call,
the limiting processor 130 sets lower the input sensitivity of the
setting indicating change in the SIM card. The same holds true for
the other settings.
[0142] FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of
operations performed by the controller 10. Steps ST21 and ST22 are
identical to the steps ST1 and ST2, respectively. Steps ST23 to
ST25 are identical to the steps ST3 to ST5, respectively except for
an object to be limited is an input and the limiting is reduction
in the input sensitivity. Specifically, when a communication
network is used, the limiting processor 130 sets lower the
sensitivity of an input that executes a function involving
termination of communication via the communication network at the
step ST23. Furthermore, when a voice network is used, the limiting
processor 130 sets lower the sensitivity of an input that executes
a function involving termination of communication via the voice
network at the step ST24. When a wireless LAN network is used, the
limiting processor 130 sets lower the sensitivity of an input that
executes a function involving termination of communication via the
wireless LAN network at the step ST25.
[0143] Accordingly, during a call, even when the user performs an
operating error that executes a function involving termination of
communication via a network used in the call, this operating error
is less likely to be determined as an input. Thus, the operating
error is less likely to cause disconnection of a network. In other
words, a call is easily maintained.
[0144] Furthermore, an input is not disabled even when the input
sensitivity becomes lower. Thus, if the user determines that a
function corresponding to the input should be executed even with
the call interrupted, the function can be executed.
[Reflecting Change in Various Functions]
[0145] In the above examples, at least one of a function involving
termination of communication via a network used in a call and the
input indicating the function is limited during the call. The
timing of executing the function will be described hereinafter.
Specifically, when the user enters data that causes a limited
function to be executed during a call, the operation setting device
121 may execute the function after the call.
[0146] FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of
operations performed by the controller 10. Since steps ST1 to ST5
are identical to the steps ST1 to ST5 in FIG. 14, respectively, the
description will not be repeated. At a step ST6 after the steps ST3
to ST5, the operation setting device 121 determines whether the
user operates an element corresponding to a limited function. The
determination can be made based on information from the touch panel
52. If YES is selected at the step ST6, the operation setting
device 121 stores operation information in the storage 103 at a
step ST7. The operation information is information indicating
presence of an operation for the limited function, and includes
information which function has been operated.
[0147] At a step ST8 after NO is selected at the step ST6 or
through the step ST7, the operation setting device 121 determines
whether the call ends. The call processor 110 notifies the
operation setting device 121 of the end of the call. When the
operation setting device 121 determines that the call has not ended
yet, the step ST6 is again performed. When determining that the
call ends, the operation setting device 121 determines whether the
operation information is stored in the storage 103 at a step ST9.
In other words, the operation setting device 121 determines whether
the element corresponding to the function is operated during the
call. When determining that the operation information is not
stored, the operation ends. In other words, since the element
corresponding to the function is not operated during the call, the
operation ends without executing the function. When determining
that the operation information is stored, the operation setting
device 121 executes the function corresponding to the stored
operation information at a step ST10.
[0148] For example, when the user operates an element corresponding
to turning ON or OFF a wireless LAN during a wireless LAN call, YES
is selected at the step ST6. Accordingly, the operation information
corresponding to the function is stored (step ST7). When the user
ends the call, YES is selected at the steps ST8 and ST9.
Accordingly, the operation setting device 121 turns OFF the
wireless LAN (step ST10). Thus, the user does not have to operate
the element of the function again after the call. Thus, the
convenience can be improved. Since turning OFF the wireless LAN can
stop supplying power to the various functional units necessary for
communication via the wireless LAN, the power consumption can be
reduced.
[0149] Furthermore, when an element corresponding to a function is
operated during a call, the operation setting device 121 may notify
the user that the function is to be executed after the call. As
illustrated in FIG. 21, for example, when determining at the step
ST6 that an element corresponding to a function to be limited has
been operated, the operation setting device 121 may perform a step
ST71. In FIG. 21, the step ST71 is performed, for example, after
the step ST7. At the step ST71, the operation setting device 121
causes the notifier 40 to notify information. For example, the
operation setting device 121 causes the display 41 to display
information indicating that the function is to be executed after
the call. Accordingly, the user can know during a call that the
element of the function operated during the call is to be executed
after the call.
[0150] Furthermore, the user may be inquired about whether to
execute the function after the call. As illustrated in FIG. 22, for
example, when determining at a step ST9 that the operation
information is stored, the operation setting device 121 may inquire
of the user about whether to execute the function at a step ST91.
For example, the operation setting device 121 causes the display 41
to display a type of a function operated during a call and an
inquiry about whether to execute the function. This display should
include an element (button) for entering whether to execute a
function.
[0151] Next at a step ST92, the operation setting device 121
determines whether the user has entered execution of a function.
This determination can be made based on information from the touch
panel 52. When determining the presence of the input for executing
the function, the operation setting device 121 executes the
function at a step ST10. When determining the presence of the input
indicating that execution of the function to be unnecessary, the
operation setting device 121 stops the operation without executing
the step ST10.
[0152] Accordingly, the user does not have to perform an operation
of calling a menu screen for executing the function. Thus, the
convenience can be improved. Furthermore, when the execution of the
function is unnecessary, the user can enter data indicating no
execution of the function.
[0153] Although three types of the networks are used in the above
examples, more than two types of the networks will do. In other
words, the function processor 120 and the limiting processor 130
have only to do the following operations: (a) the function
processor 120 executes (i) a first function of terminating
communication via a first network, in response to a first input to
the input unit 50, (ii) a second function of terminating
communication via a second network, in response to a second input
to the input unit 50, and (iii) a third function of terminating
communication via the first and second networks, in response to a
third input to the input unit 50; and (b) the limiting processor
130 limits, when a call processor processes a first call, at least
one of the first input and the first function and at least one of
the third input and the third function, and limits, when the call
processor processes a second call, at least one of the second input
and the second function and at least one of the third input and the
third function. Accordingly, during a call, the possibility of
disconnecting a network used in the call can be reduced.
[0154] Although the call processor 111 processes a voice call and a
communication call in the above examples, it may process only one
of them. In such a case, a call processor that executes the other
of the voice call and the communication call may be installed as an
application separate from the call processor 111. Alternatively,
while the call processor 111 processes both a voice call and a
communication call, a call processor that executes only one of the
voice call and the communication call may be installed as another
application separate from the call processor 111.
[0155] Although the various functions terminate communication via a
network as described above, the call may be maintained using
another network. For example, when a function of terminating
communication via a voice network is executed during a voice call,
the call processor 111 may switch from the voice call to a
communication call to allow the user to communicate. Here, the base
stations 210 and the servers 220 also appropriately switch a
network for transmitting and receiving a signal.
[0156] As such, when the electronic apparatus 100 can communicate
switchably via networks, the limiting may be performed as follows.
Specifically, when the electronic apparatus 100 can communicate
with networks, the limiting processor 130 does not perform the
limiting. In the presence of a single communicable network, the
limiting processor 130 may limit at least one of a function of
terminating communication via the network and an input triggering
the function.
[0157] For example, when both a voice call and a communication call
are possible, the limiting is not performed. This is because even
when communication via one of the voice network and the
communication network is terminated, the call can be maintained by
communication via the other one of the voice network and the
communication network. For example, when the electronic apparatus
100 communicates with the base station 210 that complies with only
3G, only a voice call is possible. Thus, during a voice call,
terminating communication via a voice network should be limited.
Accordingly, the call can be easily maintained by reducing the
possibility of terminating communication via the voice network.
[0158] Although an electronic apparatus is described in detail
above, the electronic apparatus is not limited by these but
exemplified in all aspects. It is therefore understood that
numerous modifications that have not yet been exemplified can be
devised without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0159] The embodiments can be combined with each other as long as
they are not contradictory.
* * * * *